Shocker Special: Kolby Smith, ready to go beyond Thunderdome

Each week the Noise will guide desperate, deep-thinking owners into the dark corners of the waiver wire to mine a last-minute diamond. Turn on your helmet light and pack a pickaxe. We're digging for drop-jaw surprises owned in less than 10 percent or started in five percent or less of Yahoo! Plus leagues.

With the exception of Dwayne Bowe(notes), Kansas City has been a post-apocalyptic wasteland for the fantasy masses. Matt Cassel(notes) has grossly underachieved. Larry Johnson(notes), still lingering in football purgatory, was only valuable in leagues that scored for vitriolic Tweets. It seems point reserves have been controlled by rogue motorcycle gangs with an affinity for leather, Mohawks, sawed-off shotguns and Tina Turner.

Todd Haley's inaugural season in KC has been rocky, to say the least. The rookie head coach's high-powered spread-oriented offense imported from Arizona simply hasn't taken hold. Without a suitable offensive line, the humiliating running attack so often associated with previous Chiefs teams has also been nonexistent. Not fearful of the run, defenses have keyed the pass with considerable success. As a result, Haley's club has only bested Cleveland and Oakland in total offense averaging a pathetic 257.8 total yards per game.

But with the Chiefs' Negative Nancy searching for employment, things are looking up for the offense, especially the rushing attack, at least temporarily. Whenever Oakland is in town supressing optimisim is difficult.

For owners in desperation mode, the former Louisville standout could be a waivers diamond-in-the-rough this week. Since Week 5, the rancid Raiders have surrendered 5.2 yards per carry 199.3 total yards per game and seven scores to rushers equal to the most fantasy points allowed. Charles will likely net approximately 10-12 touches, but Smith's role could expand. Fully recuperated from a devastating knee injury last year, the third-year rusher, according to Haley, is on brink of seizing No. 1 duties. From the KC Star:

"He's worked really hard, so I wouldn't put it past him. I'm still trying to keep it within reason and not have the expectations too high and understand what the situation is. But I would say Kolby is the type of guy who could surprise you."

Surprise indeed.

Because Smith is the better interior runner, he will likely be used in goal-line sets and packages. Due to Oakland's defensive shortcomings, his odds of splashing pay-dirt are substantial, though his yardage contributions could be smallish. Still LJ's 119 total yard effort against the Raiders Week 2 offers encouragement for the 13-percent owned (two percent-started) Smith and Charles to post respectable flex numbers in 12-team and deeper leagues.

Each week one lucky aspiring fantasy prognosticator is chosen to go toe-to-toe against the Noise. If you want to be a guest "expert" submit your Week 10 flames, lames (1 QB, 3 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE for each, 16 total) and shocker special (one player at any position) along with a valid email address and your location here no later than 7 PM central time on Thursday. Oh, and please, no long dissertations to justify your picks. All that's required are your player selections and projections. Winners earn a league spot to compete against yours truly next season. Good luck!